Please Let Me Make Your Day (That Means A Giveaway!)

I don’t know if it’s the lack of running miles, the lack of sweating in general or the fact that instead of gunning for 8 hours of sleep a night, I’m cutting back on my shut-eye in favor of extra hours at the office. It’s a really good taper strategy, I know!

It’s just the usual stress, anxiety and “no time, there’s never any time” stuff that’s getting me worked up, and when my alarm went off at the blissfully late hour of 6:30 this morning, I took one look at the still-dark sky and just about threw my beeping phone out the window.

But that would’ve sucked. I can’t really buy a new phone right now. And then I would have missed getting a “Good morning, Auntie Ali” text from this little nudist:

Probably the most scandalous text I’ve ever woken up to. Tyler, you naked rebel. Time to get a job. Really solid baby cobra pose, though, buddy.

So I “slept in” because today is a rest day, and made it to the office before 8 AM.

The great news is that I’m filled with Remicade today!

Check out that color coordination. The award for “Nurses With the Best Attention to Detail” goes to the fine chicks in the Mount Sinai infusion suite. Well played, my new friends.

I got doped up for the first time at the Mount Sinai infusion suite yesterday and I’m a big fan. It was so much more efficient than my last hospital. My appointment was at 11:30, and by 11:32 I was semi-painlessly hooked up to my IV and already fighting through the Benadryl powers so I could get work done instead of giving in to the Remicade nap.

And yet, at 2:30 PM, the nurse was shaking me to wake up.

Benadryl, you win again.

So a big high five for Mount Sinai. My doctor even stopped in to check on me and see how I was doing, and I had to hold back from kissing him because I was so happy. My last doctor couldn’t even remember my name. He certainly didn’t “just pop in” to chat about my insides.

Last night I was invited to join the nice ladies at Lululemon’s Madison Avenue store, where I got to try stuff on and then give feedback about the products. The group I was with went for a run, but I didn’t want to run after getting Remicade, so I went to Central Park and cheered them on.

They ran 400 meter repeats. I stood there and cheered obnoxiously. I didn’t make any new friends last night 🙁

Then we reconvened at the store for snacks (they had carrots and hummus — I wanted steak and brownies, but I don’t think that’s Lululemon’s style…bummer) and to talk about how the store can better extend its reach in the local community.

Not enough food for Ali to call this “dinner.”

Translation: I got a free jacket in exchange for a 3-hour chat session.

This is my new jacket. I wore it to work today and anticipate living in it all weekend. I’m convinced I can pull it off for ALL occasions, including fitness classes, late nights at the office, weddings, funerals and the occasional trip to the zoo. TRY ME. This thing is versatile.

But even with a sweet new zip-up in my possession, I still woke up this morning feeling “meh.” I’m a writer, and that’s as descriptive as I can get with words today.

I’m not going to give you my jacket, because I like to think I earned it with my excessive clapping and sheer enthusiasm toward standing in Central Park — in the dark — while other people got to run and I did not.

But how about a little something else?

Want it? Prove it.

I will be completely honest: When I was at Lululemon last night, I felt weirdly guilty. I didn’t have any brilliant ideas for community outreach and I didn’t even participate in the group run. So why should I get the fun stuff?

What’s more fun, I think, is giving back.

I wouldn’t have been at Lululemon if i didn’t have this blog, and you people are the ones reading it and thus, you rule the world. Basically. For that, I thank you. Thank you for reading, thank you for your comments, thank you for the feedback, encouragement, motivation and openness. Love you.

So from my wallet to yours, how about a Lululemon gift card? The gift card is a $50 value and is good in stores, online and at the Lululemon outlet stores.

I want you to have it.

Buy yourself something nice…like a new sock. (Because let’s be honest, $50 isn’t going to cover your new marathon outfit from this store, but it can certainly go toward it!)

HOW TO ENTER: Answer ONE of the following questions in a comment. Multiple responses from the same person still only gets you one entry. So just keep it simple. Enter once. Answer one question or all of them, but one entry per person. Make sense? Wonderful.

What a nice giveaway! thanks for the opportunity! The night before a big race I always have a Cesar salad and angel hair with an EVOO/garlic based sauce with veggies. I don’t know why, but this is always what I gravitate towards (I guess because it isn’t too heavy) and it seems to do the trick so I keep doing it! Right now I’m obsessed with Starships – not sure why. But it seems to get my adrenaline going.

To answer your question, my favorite plow through the finish line song is Citizen Cope’s “Son’s Gonna Rise” for the line “In a mile you’ll be feeling fine.” That is my running mantra, it gets me though every mile (especially the last one) and it is my absolute favorite song to finish a race with even though it’s not super fast. It is super motivational!

Carbing before a big race…PASTA PASTA PASTA!! I love a nice home cooked meal or venturing to my favorite Italian restaurant in my hometown. As long as I have my best supporters with me, a huge bowl of pasta and some bread and butter…I’m good to go 🙂

My healthy, functional legs make me happy everyday. They allow me to run, and do yoga… and shop around TJ Maxx 🙂 Also, your blog makes me happy… I have UC and just had my first Remicade infusion 2 weeks ago. I have my 2nd on Monday. I’m nervous about having a reaction, but hopeful that it’s going to give me my life (and colon) back! Thanks for being such an inspiration 🙂

Playlists must-haves? For me it’s definitely the Glee soundtracks!! When I feel like I’m going to die during mile 23 I crank up the glee and pretend I’m performing with Rachel
Berry at Nationals instead of pounding the pavement for hours!

One thing that makes me happy every day is that very first moment in the morning where the eyes open and I take a nice, big stretch from my bed. I don’t know what it is about that stretch but it’s the best stretch *ever*.

I feel like my finish line song always changes. Currently, it’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel. It randomly got into my running play list (total blame definitely goes to my husband), and now I can’t stop listening to it on every run. It gets me so pumped up! Plus, I then become that idiot that dances and sings while running!

Tell me something that makes you happy every day.
My little guy (18 months next week – ack!). Even when he’s tearing up a pumpkin spice english muffin on his high chair (and narrating along, “Mommy! Mess!”) he’s still the best part of my day.

My finish line song is always, “damn it feels good to be a gangster!” Because after running I feel like a total gangsta and the words are actually really motivating about helping the world and stuff, which you wouldn’t think from the title.

When I train for a race, I listen to Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger and imagine myself crossing the finish line. Every race as I near the end I hear the song in my head and it gives me the extra push to pick it up at the end!

My go to song is “dynamite” taio cruz. No idea why, but it instantly puts a smile on my race and the beat gets my legs moving just a bit faster. Not to mention what happens when it gets played at a wedding…dance party 🙂

I just finished the Detroit Marathon…MUSIC FREE!! I am the girl still wearing headphones and my Iphone when it is monsooning out, but I made a friend at the start and we chatted the first 10 miles, and afterwards, turning on music seemed like the worst idea ever. I suggest you give it a shot, even for just the first half!!

But my usual power songs are “All I do is win” by DJ Khaled or “Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes.

Coffee definitely makes me happy every day. My go to song is “Fuel” by Metallica but right now I seriously cannot get enough of “Anna Sun” by Walk the Moon. It is happy and peppy and makes me want to skip through my run.

Something that makes me happy every day is my 11 yr old daughter. She has such a fun personality and with her being just a tiny bit shorter than me now I know that time is flying by and I want to enjoy every minute I have her with me

Favorite finish line song – Give Me More by Britney Spears 🙂 yes, I have a 12 year olds taste in music but that song pushes me to give it all I have. My hot pink running shoes makes me happy everyday — can’t go wrong with pink! And my favorite way to carb up is pizza and a beer.

My favorite way to carbo load before a race is to have a pasta party! I typically run races with friends so before the big ones (and most of the small ones!) we all get together and enjoy salad, pasta and gatorade mocktails!

Love all the song suggestions, keep them coming! I need to put together a play list for Philly in 3 weeks!!

My puppy makes me happy every day!!! OK, so she’s getting a little old to be a puppy… and sometimes her furry intensity can be a bit much, like when I want to drink a glass of wine and she jumps on me insisting it’s time to play but still, her cuteness makes me insanely happy.

As cliche and disgustingly corny as it sounds, my husband cheers me up everyday. We were high school sweethearts and then went to different colleges, so being apart so long sucked. Now I’m just shocked and amazed I get to spend my every-days with him!

Michael Jackson’s, “P.Y.T” is THE BEST push to the finish line song…I mean, lets be honest…who doesn’t need a little more MJ in their life? The Chicago Marathon was blasting it 3 weeks ago right as I was rounding the bend at mile 26 and saw the finish line. Most Amazing Experience Ever!

hmmm everyday on my way to work, there’s a little old man who sits outside a deli that tells me that i’m “walking even better today!” i had knee surgery a little over 2 months ago and even though i’m back to running and walking fine, he continues to tell me i’m walking better.

Tell me your favorite way to carb up before a big race. – Before my last half marathon I carbed up with margaritas. Probably the best race strategy…

Share your favorite “I’m going to plow through that finish line” sweat song. (In other words, your race day playlist must-have.) – Gangnam style. Did you hear about those the two guys who stopped 15 yards from the finish of the Long beach Half Marathon and then chose to cross the line “Gangnam Style.” That also makes me happy.

You blogs always make me happy. You don’t blog every day, so I can’t say that’s something that cheers me up everyday. I suppose chocolate chip cookies do that in the absence of your blog.

My favorite way to carb up is by far the frozen pizzas at Trader Joe’s. Last year I was able to eat the whole thing in one sitting, now I’m wimping out and only eating half of it. (It’s old age, I tell you).
As for my running music – I don’t really have a particular song in mind, but I listen to Tiesto’s podcasts. There is a brand new one every week so I’m never bored (they are also a whole hour long and free!).

Thank you for this awesome giveaway. I’ve been to the lululemon store only once in my life, and felt completely out of place. I see people running around in lulu stuff and I think “wow, they have a lot of money to spend on workout clothes.” Congrats on your awesome new jacket.

My favorite way to carb up before a big race is to carb up the ENTIRE day before. Oatmeal for breakfast, pasta for lunch, and pizza for dinner. My first half marathon is tomorrow and I’m hoping that 6,000,000 grams of carbs will power me through to the finish line (and not just the porta potty line). 🙂

Something that ELATES me everyday: waking up.
Literally.
The thought, excitement, mystery in a full 24 HOURS awaiting whatever mark I choose to make with it. Awaiting my crazy, overwhelmingly passionate enthusiasm to try to make things better. And I decide how absolutely wonderful it gets to be.

I’ve been thinking about the finish line song a lot lately .. and it’s not the song that will be playing when I cross the finish line in Vegas but it was playing while I crossed the finish line on one of my first 5Ks — it was so super hot outside which was way more than I’d expected. It was a Weight Watchers sponsored event so it seemed appropriate to hear Jennifer Hudson’s “Believe” come on just as I was struggling. It definitely picked up my spirits through the finish.

The song that keeps me motivated is “Hysteria” by Muse. I have had it on repeat for, oh, all of this training cycle, and I’ve already prepared my boyfriend for the fact that I will be blaring it in our hotel room in the wee hours of November 4th.

Also, I wanted to thank you for sharing the challenges you faced with your health during your NYC training. While rocking an injury in the middle of training–which PALES in comparison to your Crohn’s flare-up, no question–I found a lot of comfort knowing that I wasn’t alone in having to deviate from my training plan, and that deviating didn’t mean I wasn’t going to get to the start. Thanks, Ali!

I did not get excited about running my first marathon until about 3.5 miles in when I ran by this guys house in Brooklyn and he was blasting Madonna’s Holiday from his front yard. That has been my marathon motivator ever since.

My race playlist must-have is basically any Nicki Minaj song, she always helps me power through the finish. Also, what’s making me happy basically every day now is my new favorite Animal Planet discovery, the show “Too Cute” -adorable puppies and kittens!

I know it’s totally cheesy, but Eye of the Tiger (from the movie Rocky) always gets me over that finish line, no matter what kind of race I’ve had.
Good luck with the marathon next weekend – you will rock it!

My husband makes me happy everyday. I’m so glad he supports me with all the running I do, even if it cuts into our time together. It’s also nice to have someone to comfort me whenever I’m having a “Crohn’s moment,” as I lovingly call it.

Favorite sweat song? I think it’s hard not to keep moving when you’ve got Ace Frehley rockin out to “Back in the New York Groove.” Forget the fact that not only do I not live in NYC, I’m a Bostonian through-and-through, when that song comes on, my legs move.

Something that makes me happy every day: When my 4-y.o. son says (for the 37th time), “Mommy?” (just because he can’t start a sentence without harnessing all of my concentration) and I keep the exasperation out of my voice and answer sweetly, “Yes?” and he says (probably because he just needs that touchstone that I’m really there), “I’m happy.” I believe him. Because if he weren’t happy, he’d ask me for something or tell me what is wrong or he would be fighting with his sisters and not talking to me at all.

So it makes me happy that my son gets my attention to let me know he is happy.

Three years ago my friends and I all started running together with 6 of us completing our very first half marathon together in 2009. Ever since, we’ve been running half marathons together and my absolute favorite way to carbo load is with them. Nothing better than pasta, wine, friends and lots of miles. Coincidentally, they also make me happy every day!

I live in Philly where 99% of our races begin and end at the Rocky steps (the Philly Museum of Art for you cultured types), so it would make sense that my go to song is “Eye of the Tiger.” FALSE. My go to song is Philadelphia Freedom because 1. who doesn’t like a fabulous man in sequins? and 2. I’m glad I have the freedom to sign up for about a million runs a year and no one can stop me. Happy running!

My dog, Zoey. (Shh… don’t tell my husband or my other dog). She is the happiest, tail waggy-est, smiling-est, snuggly-est, loving-est dog I’ve ever seen. Every day I pull into the driveway and she is sitting in the front window waiting for me, tail wagging, perky ears… It never fails to make me smile and feel better, even if only for a second.

Very cute new jacket! And yay to having a doctor that remembers your name, its hard to find good ones these days, my old doctor in one of her finer moments told me to work out more (I was in the process of training for marathon #2 at that time and was working out 6-7 days a week -sheesh!). My favorite carbo loading is whole wheat pasta in tomato sauce with veggies and grilled chicken mixed in. I plan to eat a HUGE bowl both next Friday and Saturday night!

Race day playlist must have: Misery by Paramore. Every time it comes on I start pounding my fists and singing out loud…which is probably terribly distracting and obnoxious to everyone else, but it gets me PUMPED!

Waking up to my husband on one side of me and our kitten on the other makes me happy every day. So does coming home to the little furry monster. No matter how bad my day has been his excitement for my arrival melts all the frustration away.

What makes me happy every day is that brief moment in the morning when the alarm goes off and our cat gets up from the foot of our bed to give me kisses and rub my face with her stinky cat breath and then she settles in right up against my neck and the three of us (me, my husband and the cat) have a few minutes of “family time” before we all get up to face the day. After a few minutes, she usually gets a little restless and starts “yelling” at us to feed her some breakfast :-).
Favorite song to get me trough the end of a race is definitely “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
As for carb loading, I really don’t discriminate and will take them in any form 🙂 At any time, really!

•Tell me something that makes you happy every day: Walking along the Charles River in Boston during my commute to work.
•Tell me your favorite way to carb up before a big race: Raviolis stuffed with any of the following: goat cheese, artichokes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes. AND BREAD. Lots of bread.
•Share your favorite “I’m going to plow through that finish line” sweat song: I hate saying this outloud, but “Blow” by Ke$ha (and yes, I did just type the dollar sign for the ‘S’ in her name).

Before I moved across the country, it was my dog that made me happy everyday.
I always used to eat pizza before a race. Not the healthiest, but delicious 🙂
My “race” song changes constantly, but lately it’s been “In My Head” by Until June.

Diet Coke makes me happy. Plus, it keeps me sane and awake. If only they had it in IV form…I would be set! Also, my three nephews make me happy. I love watching them grow and learn. Plus, nothing gets better than being greeted with big smiles, hugs, and Auntie Katie screams!

1. My fiance and my smelly cat make me happy every day!
2. My favorite pre-race dinner is a dinner from my favorite pasta restaurant – fresh homemade pasta, spicy tomato oil dipping sauce, and a side of ciabatta bread. Insanely amazing!
3. I usually don’t wear headphones when I race but my favorite song to end a regular run with is called “Ready to Roll” by Flashlight Brown, an obscure Canadian band that I was obsessed with in high school!

1. something that makes me happy every day is waking up and realizing its a new day and i cant start fresh – delicious ambiguity 🙂
2. Straight white carbs all day long in the form of bagels
3. Race day playlist must have – Run this town – rihanna & jayz … “victory is within the mile, almost there dont give up now” AMAZING.

Right now my “finish line” song is more geared towards finishing out the number i chose for the treadmill (Im in Dubai for work, way too hot to run outside) but it’s definitely “Big Mouth” by Santigold. It’s fun, upbeat, and ridiculous enough that I forget I’m running on the treadmill and just feel awesome.

Ah great giveaway! Something that makes me happy every day is my cutie pie cocker spaniel Rusty, whose unbridled enthusiasm for the small stuff- long walks, playing catch, barking at the UPS man- reminds me to appreciate everything a little more 🙂

Awesome giveaway! Something that makes me happy every day? Seeing my puppy run towards me every morning or when I come home from work. His wiggly body and tail never get old and always bring a huge smile to my face.

My favorite way to carb up for a race is to eat straight out of a can of chocolate frosting with a spoon! (Yes, I am serious!) Before every race I’m all, “Molly you need to eat healthy this time,” and I stock up on wheat pasta and then I get too lazy to make it and go for the frosting. It’s full of carbs though, right?

My go-to finish line song is “Bottoms Up” by Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj. In 2010 I listened to it on repeat at my third marathon and PR’d, so now I make sure to always listen to it at least once during every race. Superstitious much?

I love that jacket!! And I’m happy to hear that Remicade once again worked it’s magic!

Something that makes me happy everyday is coffee. Hot or iced, it’s just the best way for me to say “Good Morning, World. I’m alive and healthy and I’ll try my very best not to be a crank from 5am-7am!”

My finish line pump up song right now is “Finally Found You” by Enrique Iglesias and Sammy Adams. Whenever I see a finish line, I always gun it and push as hard as I can and it’s like “finally finding” the finish line. Corny? Proud of it!

my two co-workers make me happy every day as they keep me sane and listen to my complaints and jokes. The last four songs on my play list are what help me get through to the finish line and are: Gett Off by Prince; Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band; Eye of the Tiger by Survivor; and the finish line song is Raise Your Glass by Pink – I know, a strange variety but it works.

I ran the Hartford Marathon a couple weeks ago and when I crossed the finish line I was listening to “Diamonds” by Rihanna (and the screaming crowd of course). I felt like I was “shining bright”- that song has made it on to all future race playlists!!

Dove Dark Chocolates make me happy every day – those perfect little dark squares are just enough to quiet my sweet tooth while being good for my health (I also tell myself the same lie about red wine when I drink it! lol) at the same time.

And who doesn’t love those little messages on the wrapper? Dove tells me calories don’t count and who am I not to believe them?!?!

The one song that I can think of that brought me across the finish line is kind of random, but…So Much Better from Legally Blonde the Musical. It starts off slow then kicks in. “I feel so much better than before!”

I like to carb up before a race with a pancake the size of my head the night before for dinner. And i just admitted that on the internet… aaaalright! But, it made for a Half Marathon PR, so it’s all good. Just spillin’ secrets. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! Love Lululemon 🙂 .. and your blog!

Something that makes me happy is knowing my family is happy and healthy! My mom has been battling cancer or 4 years so everyday I call her you never know if it’s going to be a good or a bad day and nothing in the world makes me happier than when she is feeling healthy!

My current must-have song on my running playlist is Breakin’ Dishes (Rihanna). A friend of mine sent me a running CD last week that included that song, and I can’t get it out of my head! Edge of Glory is my perennial go-to.

Snuggling with my cat makes me happy every day! I hate that it makes me sound like a crazy cat lady, but it’s so nice to have him jump into my lap as soon as I’m seated – he looks like superman, all stretched out with his front paws straight out, “hugging” either side of my neck and his little chin tucked into my neck.

What makes me happy: Feeling well enough after a good Remicade session to pick up my 4 year old son from school and take him to the park for some fun! A nice hot cup of coffee in the morning..and shopping,particularly with someone else’s money 😉 (LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!)

The thing that is currently making me happy each day is thinking about my dad running a half mile of my most recent marathon with me. While that may seem normal to some, my dad doesn’t run, and is a beef farmer. To my shock he ran a half mile in COWBOY BOOTS, WRANGLER JEANS, and his LEATHERMAN! It was an amazing moment! And so great that my mom saw it and took our picture. Still makes me smile now! Thanks Dad for helping me out at mile 19!

My favorite song to get me pumped up is Til I Collapse by Eminem- I love to eat lots of pasta and definitely pancakes before a big race. I love to think of new fun pancakes to make, like apple with melted peanut butter and chocolate chip. I have also found that cupcakes the night before a run somehow always make the run so much better in the morning. Maybe just my perception but, hey, worth a try!!

I work long hours and often try to get my runs in before heading to work. These days, that means getting up well before the sun peeks its head out. I bring my dog along for the fun because–while working said long-days–she is holed up in the house all day by herself. So, getting to the point… The thing that makes me so, so, so happy every day is not actually the early morning running with my dog, but it’s the fact that when I get up early to run with her, she’s a good girl in the house all day and when I get home in the evening, she is so surpremely excited to see me that she seems to forget that I abandoned her all day. Exercise makes for sane and happy humans (and dogs!) so it allows me to actually enjoy my evenings with my pup, a glass (or two?) of wine, and my loving husband. So that’s what makes me happy!

Things that make me happy everyday; waking up to my cat nibbling on my toes, seeing my husband peacefully sleeping next to me, realising it’s another day I got through having UC and it’s not that bad, thinking about all of the wonderful friends and family I have.

In all honesty, my double iced mocha with almond milk and a bit of coconut creamer makes me happy – every morning. Of course my cat too, he is funny but I only have coffee in the morning so it’s kinda special! My two song ideas for you are 80’s classics: Bonnie Tyler’s “I need a hero” and Lora Branigan’s “Gloria” from Flashdance.

i don’t carb bc i’m convinced my body hates carbs- i protein up instead 🙂 i don’t eat the same things either, i just try to make sure i eat clean, some plants and animals and that’s it!

every day is different, but the one thing that makes me smile every day is watching my son’s face while he tells me some random story. and seeing what crazy creations he’s whipped up between assignments at school!

The supportive running community I live in makes me happy everyday. I live in Eugene, Oregon, where I am a part of several running groups that are sure to bring a smile to my face. But it is not just the in-person running community that makes me happy but also the online running community. Reading running blogs and comments on Facebook and Twitter from friends all around the country about their runs makes me happy too. I love that no matter where I am there is a community of runners, making an individual sport a group effort.

Pizza. I love pizza, I would marry pizza. But, my crohn’s will not allow me to eat pizza everyday (sigh) so I shall say sunshine. Sunshine makes me giddy….I live in Portland, OR and so somedays I have to rely on my therapy lightbox, and I am grateful I am have sunshine everyday, even if it’s fake.

Happy- hearing “good morning sunshine!” from my training partner – the way he says it makes getting my butt out of bed and to the gym so worth it. Carb’ing up – I snack on pretzels the day or two before a big race – extra carbs and salt, plus it’s not heavy and sitting in your gut all day. Song – “Westbound” by Allister (the whole album makes me want to race!) but it’s got this crazy tempo that just turns on the afterburners no matter how tired you are! Great giveaway, thanks!

Thanks so much for doing this giveaway! I don’t know if I’d ever be able to voluntarily part with a $50 Lulu giftcard 🙂 To carb up for a race, we (husband/siblings/friends, whoever is running that race) get together to make homemade meat sauce to heap over a giant helping of pasta. Occasionally we’ll also make garlic bread to really up the carbs. It is delicious, and at this point, something of a pre-race tradition.

My favorite plow to the finish line music is anything by Joan Jett. I used “I Love Rock n Roll” and “Bad Reputation” to help plow through the last mile of a tough half marathon. Being able to run injury free right now makes me extremely happy!!

In a dutch oven, sweat garlic and shallots in a little olive oil. After they get warm, lower heat and cover. At the same time bring salted water to a boil and add your fav whole wheat pasta. Cook (about 9 min) until al dente. Drain the pasta but keep about a half cup of the cooking liquid.

Add the rest of the veggies into shallots and garlic and mix it well until all parts are warm. Place the pasta back in the cooking pot, mix in the sause type stuff, about two table spoons of olive oil, a quarter cup of feta and enough cooking water to get everything as “goopy” as you like.

I live on the 18th floor in a high rise in Old Town in Chicago, and have a pretty awesome view of the lakefront path and Lake Michigan. Waking up every morning to the most amazing view (preferably while drinking coffee on the couch in flannel PJs) makes me happy EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!

Favorite get me to the finish line song (No music for the actual moment – didn’t you teach me that?) = Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” It also makes me want to leap, but I typically refrain so as to avoid falling flat on my face…

I am not a huge country fan, but lately when I hear Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl in Town” I break into a grin and speed up a little. I am doing NYC too. If I saw you would it be weird to say hi and introduce myself? Good luck!

My favorite end of race song is “I made it” (so cliche huh?) By cash money heroes

But there is nothing more amazing and motivating than finishing a 50k, after spending 7.5 hrs in the woods, hand in hand with your 4 year old. That is enough to push anyone through the finishline; song or not.

My boyfriend works crazy hours, and is up and out the door by the time I get up (around 6:30 most days), so what makes me happy every day is the coffee he leaves me in the morning. It might be more that coffee makes me happy every day…

I will admit it… I am a SUCKER for cheesy teeny-bopper pop songs. So give me some Justin Beiber or Miley Cyrus…and watch me plow through that finish line!! Who wouldn’t want to crush the last part of a race while rocking out to “Party in the USA”?!?!

Apparently I need to check out some Eminem tunes! ‘Til then, my playlist would be sadly lacking if it didn’t include TRAIN – 50 Ways to Say Goodbye.

It’s FUNNY, high energy without sounding confusing, and it’s got those great 80’s crescendos for women like me who run hardest when remembering what great shape I was in then, lol!

Everyday happiness is now coming from the act of posting Halloween-themed youtube songs to my sister’s FB page. We are very VERY different people, and this is her favorite day of the year – a big deal. I do this every day this month, and feel a little closer to her, after years of feeling so far apart. (Awwwww…. yeah.)

Love, love, love the spaghetti dinner at our local Italian restaurant to carb load. I’ve eaten it before every race 1/2 mary or longer and I know my stomach will be happy with it. Let’s face it, the carb loading can be fun but you don’t want to worry about it angering your tummy!

Happy: being able to walk to work.
Playlist: this sounds bizarre but the baywatch theme song. I loved the show as a kid (odd I know) and for my first half I did on the jersey shore earlier this year I threw it on my playlist for fun. It came on at mile 12.75 as I ran the boardwalk to the finish. It was awesome and still makes me happy.
Carbs: penne alla vodka and garlic bread

Something that CAN make me happy every day is hearing a great song (like Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins) with the sun shining. That can make me happy even when I am driving to a not so happy place, work!

A few songs that will get me to the finish are Crazy Train by Ozzy Osborne, Stronger by Kanye West, and any Bruce Springsteen song.

Well monday night my bf and I returned from a day at the beach…yes here.. in NYC…in october..it was amazing and our beach fever turned into lets make clams tonight which turned into a giant bowl-giant bowl of pasta and clams with bread and beer… wont say we were marathon prepping..because we just got out of hand with beach love buuut the next day I did run because I felt with all those extra carbs rolling around I had better make good use of them 😉
good luck on the marathon I’m sure you will do well and be great !

EVERY DAY HAPPY THING: Oatmeal and peanut butter aka breakfast everyday!!
FAVORITE CARB: Bagels.
FINISH LINE SWEAT SONG: This is a new one for me, but I ran the BAA half marathon 3 weeks ago and finished to Good Old War’s ‘Better Weather’ and it was such a light, carefree way to bound across the finish that I’m planning on using it for my second half marathon this month (ON SUNDAY!!)

Plough through songs change all the time, no? But I think my top two are “Save the World” by Swedish House Mafia or “Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris. They make me feel like a superhero so close to the finish line 😉

plow through song = a lot of britney spears. i fully admit that i am a complete music snob (indie music only, psht…i annoy even myself), but something about britney spears’ “womanizer” helps kick me into high gear without fail.

My pump it up song that I got as a free download on Amazon a few weeks ago is We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke. I’m pretty sure its about race morning.

“Under a pale blue sky
You never felt so cold
Another sleepless night
How could you ever let go
How do you recognize
The dirty face of gold
Behind that crooked line
Where you never knew you’d go

“Headed for the open door
Tell me what you’re waiting for
Look across the great divide
Soon they’re gunna hear
The sound, the sound, the sound
When we come running
Never go where we belong
Echoes in the dead of dawn
Soon they’re gunna know
The sound, the sound, the sound
When we come running”

Great jacket – what a fun event!
My favorite sweat song is “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor. I also really like the Linkin Park/Jay Z mashups. I’m going to have to look up some of the songs others mentioned…I’m always looking for new songs!

What makes me happy right now is my Akron Marathon jacket. I love it and want to wear it everywhere, just like you said about your new one. But mine is purple. Putting it on makes me totally happy and ready to run, which is good because with the weather we are getting this weekend I’m going to be wearing it.

pictures of puppies make me happy, with no fail ! i subscribe to several puppy pages on instagram just to make me happy. my finish song is always Steve Aoki’s Turbulence, which ill prob be playing once im nearing that 0.5 mile mark at NYCM!

Meant to comment yesterday but I just wanna say hell yeah you deserve a vacation! You vacation the crap out of Mexico and get a nice tan. You really do deserve it. I’ll be in NYC next weekend visiting a friend and I’m hoping she’ll let me escape for a bit to watch the marathon. I’ll keep my eyes out for you 🙂 GOODLUCK!

As for marathon ass-kickin’ music, here were my favorites when I ran Hartford a few weeks ago:
– Gangnam Style… clearly a necessity. Was really hard not to break into the dance!
– Pound the Alarm by Niki Minaj
– Empire State of Mind by JayZ – makes me feel badass and is appropriate for your race!
– Bitch by Meredith Brooks – I can’t be the ONLY one who still loves this song?
– Too Close by Alex Clare
– High Voltage by Linkin Park (embarassing…)
– Harder to Breathe by Maroon5

Something that makes me happy every day is my dog – each morning he wakes me up by stretching out and putting his paws on me and doing the biggest cutest yawn. Oh, and he’s only 12 pounds, which makes it even cuter 🙂

What makes me happy is my daily run. Everyday my feet carry me on the road is another day to smile. There are so many people in the world who are incapable of participating In a sport I take for granted. So every day I throw my sneakers on and hit the pavement I remind myself how blessed I am and how every step I take is for someone who can’t. I couldn’t be more happy to represent them on the road.

Seeing pictures or videos of my niece! (equally as cute as Tyler!) She lives in India so I have only met her once, so I keep a picture of her on the lock screen of my iPhone so I see her every time I look at my phone! (P.S. being an aunt is the best thing ever!)

Carbing up… definitely making my own spaghetti dinner at home that I eat at around 2:30 in the afternoon, primarly so I can fully digest and so I can have a second smaller portion around 7pm and a supercarby Pop-Tart for dessert. The

Being 34 weeks pregnant and still able to run makes me very happy! (Also, knowing that this belly will soon be a baby girl in my arms!)
My favorite carb pre-run of the moment is toast. (Ezekiel bread’s cinnamon raisin to be exact.)
Play-list must-have has got to be MaryMary “Shackles”…it reminds me of a certain time in my life and aways makes me feet feel lighter.
Thanks for the giveaway!

I love carbing up for a race at Trattoria Spaghetto in the West Village, It’s a checkerboard table cloth kinda place that let’s me make my very own at least a box of pasta dish (angel hair with pesto and mushrooms ..and whatever other veggies i’m in the mood for). Check it out, delish!

My dog makes me happy every day! Even though my landlord suddenly decided we are no longer allowed to have her in the apt ( after originally allowing us to have her) which is forcing us to move right in the middle of my midterms and maybe a hurricane? She is 100% worth it. She gives me unrequited love every day and I am very grateful for her!

The fact that I get to wear scrubs to work everyday makes me happy! And my favorite song that I end every race playlist with is “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae… I don’t know why but it pumps me up!! Have a great weekend!

Running makes me happy…and I’m so excited that I will be running my first NYCM in just 9 days!! I will be carb loading by eating PHO with my family in Chinatown. Not my normal pre-run meal but it’s not everyday I get to visit NYC with the fam 🙂

First of all, you totally deserve to be included in Lululemon community outreach! Even though you don’t think you have any great ideas. I hate to break it to you, but YOU’RE community!! 😀

Everyday I get to wake up to a happy golden retriever named Cody. He puts a smile on my face, even though he would rather sleep in in the morning and lets out these major sighs because he wants to go back to bed. I love him!!

I’m a crazy cat lady so my cat who wakes me up to make sure I’m not late to work and greets me at the door every evening makes me happy everyday. And my pump up song? That’s New Radical’s You Get What You Give. Yeah 90’s jams!!

I carb up with sweet potatoes and in the morning with fruit/bananas. Proof positive that you don’t have to eat breads, grains or beans to run!!! If you buy just one thing at Lululemon for the winter get the Run Swiftly Tech LS. I tried it on and then dreamed about it for a couple of weeks before finally buying it. It was worth every penny and I have a hard time not wearing it everyday!! I need more!!!

I am not happy without coffee. But also the fact that my 5 year old still wants to hold my hand some days makes me happy. Ill take it for as long as I can…even though I fear I **could** be turning him into a mama’s boy….

The best song to literally plow through a finish line to is “All I do is Win” by DJ Khaled. I make sure it’s playing for every single race I finish. Because all you do is win when you cross that finish line! duh.

My best long run ever came the morning after I ate basically a whole package of chocolate-covered toffee… all kinds of the worst kinds of carbs. But I’ll take any excuse I can get to eat a ton of candy.

Well everyday this week the crunchy fall leaves have made me weirdly happy! I love the sound my puppy make running through them too!! We went for a trail run and it was JUST what I needed to remind me what a blessing it is to be able to run!

The ability to start fresh every day and accomplish anything, makes me happy! I recently chipped my growth plate, and for me to be completely healed and able to run more than a skip, hop, jump, makes my day. Also, I can’t help the fact that pumpkin spice lattes do make my day a little happier 🙂

Counting my blessings every day makes me happy. From being able to wake up to my sweet husband, to having a good job (and a car to get me there), to the nightly chats with my bestie (aka Mom) and all the swell things in between, I can’t help but smile. God has blessed me beyond measure and the joy I feel in side is amazing!

One thing that makes me happy every day is the picture board I have up in my room at school with photos of all of my friends, family and other important people in my life. It inspires me to keep working hard and pushing through, even when I’m dog-tired and just want to quit. I feel grateful every time I look at the board because there are so many wonderful people in my life.

Since I know you like puppies, my “one thing that makes me happy everyday” is my dog. Every morning I get him out of his kennel and we climb back in bed together. He snuggles, and then brings me his rope for tug of war. But since I’m tired, I just hold one end, while he bites the other end and bounces up and down on my bed. It’s hilarious every time.

The one thing I can always count on to make me happy every day is my boyfriend Stephen. I know it probably sounds silly to say my happiness depends on a guy, but no matter how bad my day, he can always make me smile!

This is going to sound weird, but I’m pretty sure nachos from my favorite Mexican restaurant are the key to my race day success. Both half marathons I ran with them as a part of my diet have been amazing. The one without it…eh not so much. I mean, it’s all the food groups, right? What better way to carb load 😉

I’m very happy to say that I have a long list of things that make me happy every day. Well, actually I have several lists. I recently started a gratitude journal and love it so much that I don’t always make it to the journal – I just write down things that I’m grateful for all the time all over the place! My teenage daughters firmly believe I’m insane. That makes me smile too 🙂

Nut butter makes me happy every day. I became a peanut butter addict while working and going to college, and then in recent years, branched out into all the hippie nut butters like almond, cashew, and sunflower.

I eat some every day. And they have healthy fats and protein so I never feel guilty. (Plus they taste great with chocolate. Always a win.)

preparing to carb up for my FIRST marathon (nyc) next week and a steady diet of pasta dinners the few days before worked for my half-marathons….pasta to include spicy italian sausage, zucchini, and lots of melted cheese with a side of bread. good luck on your carb loading (and marathon)

Something that makes me happy is a dance party in my car on my long commute. It makes my day start off on a fun note. I carbo load with pasta with awesome tomato sauce (wegmans brand if I can get it!!)

I wake up happy every day because I wake up next to my significant other. He is WONDERFUL. He manages to support and encourage me while still making me laugh and also giving me a hard time and making sure I am not expecting wonderfullness. He is not a traditional romantic but he is always thoughtful and caring. Three cheers for him!!

my current “plow through the finish line” song is katy perry’s “part of me”. so cliche, yet so awesome. when i cross that finish line, it’s mine, and no one will ever take that finish away from me (unless i turn out like lance armstrong. too soon?)

I have Crohn’s and found your blog thru another website. I read the whole thing in a couple days like it was a novel. I’ve recently started running, and my first real race is the St Jude Marathon Relay. Anyhow your blog has really inspired me. So something that makes me happy every day is my family and my job. Really doesn’t get any better than helping kids with cancer get better!! Favorite carb has to be pasta. Kinda boring, but good. And my favorite race song have to have is “Party Rock Anthem”!!! Hope I win!!!

So I’m toe-ing the line of my first marathon on Sunday!! Basically I’ve been carb loading all week because I’ve read that it’s more efficient than major carb loading the night before and easier on the stomach. It’s kind of awesome b/c I don’t really eat a ton of carbs even though I love pasta and breads. So this week I have been indulging with one carb-y item every day. So. Awesome. Bagels, pasta, muffins. hello! 🙂

I’m not going to lie, my favorite way to carb up before a long run is this buffalo chicken pizza I get at my parent’s house. So good! Makes my stomach not so happy for about an hour or so in the morning, but SO worth it!

My favorite running song is “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. I know it’s a little old but I just can get enough of it! I joke about finding a runner and blasting it from my car as they run by just to give them a little extra motivation.

This probably completely dates me (hello, child of the 80s), but my Push to the Finish Line song is Break My Stride by (evidently, though I never knew this) Matthew Wilder. I don’t listen to music when I run, so that’s just me singing it loudly in my head.

What makes me happy every day is my job working with sweeties like your Tyler! I am sooo not a morning person, but even getting up early to work, once I get there, I can’t help but perk up and be happy! Babies make my heart so full!

I make a mean breaded chicken dish, it can be time consuming to make but it’s become my go to meal the night before a race, I like to have lots of sides with it like couscous and sweet potato and broccoli. And since most of my big races have been in the fall I like to follow dinner with some sort of apple dessert.. Pie is a great pre race meal in and of itself!

Maybe not happy every day, but today two of my girls (I coach a high school XC team) made States! Which is twice as many runners as my school has ever sent! So I’m happy for them– and for running teams everywhere that push us faster times than we could ever run on our own.

Reading your blog makes me happy because I admire your honesty. We all. Have good and bad days thank you for sharing within. To carb load I love to eat 16 handled with cookie dough topping Andy like to listen to ravers in the uk to get me pumped up on race day

Coffee makes me happy every day. But what makes me even happier are the smiles that come with it – it never ceases to amaze me how surprised people are when you are warm and friendly; and how once they get over the surprise, they just reflect it back at you. So maybe it’s smiling that makes me happy every day. 🙂

Having breakfast while watching the news and checking email/ Facebook/ blogs/ etc, with my dogs, one on each side of me. Ok, well that’s something I thoroughly enjoy, but what literally makes me happy is sweating through an intense workout- running, krav, crossfit, whatever makes me push myself hard. I so intensely need that on so many levels. Getting that is what makes and keeps me happy.

“September” by Earth, Wind and Fire is at the start of every one of my running playlists. Something about it just gets me all jazzed to run. And sometimes I do a funny run-dance to it when no one’s around.

Tuna and pasta!! I thought I was the only crazy person who loved this dish as my carb load the night before a race, BUT I recently finished A Life Without Limits (Chrissie Wellinton’s book) and found out Chrissie eats the same dish that I do! I may not be an ironman world champ, but proud to say I eat like one! 🙂

there are a lot of people responding to this. wow. ahhm, my POWER THROUGH THE FINISH LINE song, lately, is Santigold’s L.E.S. Artistes. I don’t know why, but it makes me want to run through the woods really really fast.

My must have song is “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters. The beat helps me keep a steady pace and the line ” you’ve gotta promise not to stop when I say when” helps not give up during a run … especially if it is a bad run

My finish song is Club Can’t Handle Me by Flo Rida. I dont know why, but I have never gotten sick of that song in the past two or so years that it’s been out. I don’t even normally like that kind of music!

Before a race, I love to enjoy carbs in the form of bread/bagels and candy. Good (aka homemade or bakery made) bread or bagels make me happy, and few handfuls of Sugar Babies or Jelly Belly Beans will only help my performance, right?

THERE IS NO LULULEMON IN FRANCE ! … Sorry, I digitally screamed but I’ll have to share that. Can you imagine ? Lululemon, please, come to France. We (I) need you !
I should have a prize only for that 😉

I’m definitely not the only one saying this….but my dog makes me the happiest every day! Even though Greta wakes me up every morning by sitting next to my bed and staring at me until I get up to take her outside (she’s a 90 pound German Shepherd so her face is right at my level then!). But, I completely adore her!

Every day when I get home from work our dogs are so excited to see me and it always cheers me up! They are the best dogs in the world! You know better than anybody I never used to be a dog person (remember Bear?? And the Levine’s dog who attacked you??) but Cooper and Vega are awesome and they always know how to cheer me up!

My favorite finish line or amp up songs are “My Chick Bad” by Luda and Nikki Minaj or “Jai Ho!” Whenever I hear them during a run, my energy picks up and I feel myself running fasting. Also, I think of the SYTYCD dances when I hear them which doesn’t hurt 🙂

What makes me happy every day – are my kids – they are alternately a laugh riot, and sweet as pie. If one is cranky, the other is usually the exact opposite. It’s the best time of day to go home from work & be with the whole family.

I always spend so much time on the perfect playlist, yet at the end of the race Im usually so focused on finishing, I tune the music out. That being said, I love Bruce Springsteen & Born to Run is always on my playlist.

Believe it or not, my morning commute makes me happy. I drive 30-45 minutes each way, over a hill/mountain. And my morning commute? GORGEOUS. I drive through a gorgeous fog bank before summiting the mountain and getting an opportunity to view the fog slowly receding from the mountain tops, redwoods poking out through the clouds, and the rising sun highlighting everything with golden beams.

Currently my playlist must-have is “Miracle” by the Maccabeats…I have no idea why…I’m not Jewish and it’s not Hanukkah, but every time I hear that song during my long runs I smile and immediately feel stronger. Gearing up to run MCM tomorrow!!

Oh man so many entries! And something that makes me smile every day is running with my sweet pup. The look on his face when he’s out running with me just makes my heart swell. Though he often slows me down with his constant pee breaks, I’m never happier than when I have him beside me. I’m the happiest girl in Boston when I’m with him 🙂

This isn’t really running related but your Tyler pics resonate with me. I have a new grandbaby – two weeks old yesterday. My son sends me Good morning Grandma and Good night Grandma pictures/texts on my smart phone everyday. He makes me so happy! I am way too YOUNG to be a Grandma of course, but he is as cute as he can be and makes me smile no matter what else is going on in my life. It reminds me so much of your Tyler posts. Babies rock! Thanks for asking. =)

There are so many little things that make me happy every day! Just off the top of my head: peanut butter straight from the jar (yes, I eat PB straight from the jar everyday!), seeing my Chicago Marathon chip still on my shoe, coming home to my tiny studio apartment and knowing that it is only mine, bubbly water and breakfast.

And my must-have, always needed, race song is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen… How could you not get pumped up hearing them sing and chant, “Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time.
I’m having a ball, don’t stop me now…I’m traveling at the speed of lightttttttttttttttttt!”

I recently moved to San Francisco, and though I miss NYC dearly, the moment when the fog lifts and the sun comes out makes me so happy that all I want to do is frolic outside with a stupid grin in my face.

One thing that makes me happy every day? Being a chronic pain sufferer, some days it’s just being able to hop out of bed and not having pain be the first thing on my mind, others it’s knowing that I am still able to walk, and most days, run! Never take your health for granted!!!! 🙂

You are just too too cool and sweet 🙂 Things making me happy: FALL in NYC! Best time of the year here, hands down. I will be eating pizza tonight as I do the night before any races I’ve ever done (even if its only 5 miles like tomorrows 🙂 )

I’m thinking you will totally understand me on this one — My 4 nieces and 1 nephew make me happy everyday. When I get a phone call from them or see picture they colored my heart melts! My husband and I don’t have kids of our own but I’m pretty sure being an aunt is one of the best jobs in the world!

This beautiful life makes me happy every day! It’s amazing how easy it is to get wrapped up in minutia and lose sight of the beauty and good of people and the world. Best carb= gatorade. Drink a 32 oz next Saturday before NYC tops off your carbs without filling you up. Good running song- St Elmo’s Fire by John Parr. You have to embrace the glory of the 80s…

Many things make me happy everyday…a morning run through central park watching feeling the energy of the others who also get the beauty of waking up this way. Or, a nighttime run to end my day on a calm and serene note as I loop through the middle of this great city with lights aglow from the vantage point of the reservoir. Yet, I also feel extremely happy just walking down the street completely in my own world yet surrounded by so much energy and solitude at the same time. This city makes me happy.

Something that always makes me happy is my fur baby Alfie! He is the sweetest Golden Retriever you will ever meet 🙂 (I may be biased).. But no matter what, he always has a huge smile to greet me when I walk through my door! There is nothing better than taking him for a walk in the beach to put a smile on my face 🙂

My race-day playlist must-have is Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory.” That song played as I crossed the finish line during my first 5K, and it’s been my last-mile you-can-do-this song ever since. I swear I run faster when it comes on.

I recently changed my commute home and now drive past a doggie daycare place. I get to look at all the cute puppies while stuck at the light – always makes me smile no matter what type of day I’ve had! (oh goodness I need a dog…)
My pump up song is always Justin Timberlake’s Sexy Back haha
thanks for the giveaway!

Something that makes me happy every single day? That my stress fractured heel is (supposedly) healing and getting me closer to running again! (Also the Golden Retriever puppy Lucy that lives across the street. Her owner takes her for about 4 walks a day and I will sprint across my apartment on crutches to catch a glimpse.) I had to give up on 2 half marathons and CIM this winter because of the fracture but I’m REALLY hoping I can run come January. Lulu clothes are much more flattering than a swim cap, ill-fitting swimsuit and goggles I’ve been wearing as of late to stay in shape.

At the moment my roommate’s book on Icelandic sheepdogs makes me happy everyday! The pictures of the dogs are the most adorable I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait until I get my stitches removed and I can exercise again…

The thing that makes me happy every day is sweating! I am so lucky to be able to teach fitness classes and sharing a passion of working out and changing lives with my studio and clients- Zumba, Hip hop yoga and bootcamps are what make me smile every day! I <3 Sweat!

Carbing up before a big race: I make big, fluffy pancakes for brunch and then pasta for dinner and I snack on pretzels throughout the day! I love carbs before a race like cookie monster loves his cookies 🙂

For my second marathon I listened to the soundtrack of “Matilda, the Musical” on loop beforehand, so I was rocking out to “Bruce” as I approached the finish. And still do. Not your typical “pump it up” song, but I love it!

(Matilda is coming from the West End to Broadway next year…I’d totally recommend it!)

My finish line song is “Firework” by Katy Perry. I took two years off from running when I had my twins (now 20 months) and “Firework” really motivated me to keep pushing myself when I started running again. Now it’s my finish line song and a must during every run I do 🙂

Candy corn makes me extremely happy. My taste buds have been silently kicking me throughout the month of October for never eating candy corn until this fall! Love grabbing a handful after my run 🙂 Good luck in the NYCM!!! You will rock it!

FINISH LINE SONG: I have two answers. One of my favorite all time power-through songs (for running finishes, or cleaning, or attempting to be a human) is “Baba O’Riley” by The Who. The intro just makes me feel all tingly and then I start moving.
But then I realized this was not a totally honest answer. At the end of my 10k today, I kept hitting the next button on my shuffle until I found one song: “Die Young” by Ke$ha. No shame. Well, a little shame. But it is the best pop song!

My absolute favorite song to listen to at the end of a race is Sinnerman by Nina Simone & Felix Da Housecat. The beat is unreal and it helps me kick into that high gear and sprint it out for the last few minutes. Works everytime!!

My little kitty Winston makes me happy every day! He lives with my parents but he is my phone background and I always smile when I see him 🙂 He also likes to send me texts and photos of himself from my mom’s phone (weird right? How does he do that?!?!) to tell me that he misses me which brightens up even the darkest of days.

Something that makes me smile every day: my fat 12-pound cat. Even though he gets me up WAY earlier than I would on my own, he’s a great cuddler and makes a good substitute on the nights when hubby has to work late.

My playlist must-have is “I Can Transform Ya” by Chris Brown. I love the grinding/industrial background, and I translate the not-so-relevant lyrics in my mind to mean essentially that I have the power to transform myself through the force of my will.